1985. World news in review. This year the world weathered recurring waves of terrorism, natural disasters, and military coups. There were hijackings and earthquakes. Governments toppled. In the West, nest after nest of spies was uncovered, and the leaders of the two superpowers finally talked to each other -- face to face. In Latin America, the historic shift toward democracy continued. And millions of Africa's famine victims received unprecedented aid.

By
CompiledArmin Sethna /
December 31, 1985

JANUARY Israel says Jan. 3 it has airlifted 10,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel since 1977.

On the African famine front, relief officials say March 6 that at least one-third of Sudan's population faces starvation. Drought and famine refugees from Ethiopia have worsened the situation.

Mikhail Gorbachev becomes new Soviet leader March 11, day after passing of Konstantin Chernenko.

US and Soviet negotiators begin arms control talks on strategic and intermediate-range nuclear weapons, and space weapons March 12.

Dramatic increase in South African unrest as 40,000 black students boycott classes March 4 and police kill 18 blacks during funeral March 21.

Ten to become 12 as Common Market votes March 29 to allow Spain and Portugal to join. APRIL

Sudan's President Jaafar Nimeiry is ousted in coup led by armed forces chief Gen. Abdel Rahman Swareddahab April 6.

Freeze on Soviet deployment of intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe is announced by Gorbachev April 7.

Japan's large trade surplus prompts Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone to call on all Japanese to buy ``$100 in foreign goods'' to solve trade crisis with the US. Government approves measures to lower import barriers Apr. 9.

Warsaw Pact between Soviet Union and seven East-bloc nations is extended April 26 for another 20 years.

South African military operations in Angola are revealed when a soldier captured April 28 says he was sent to Angola as part of special force. MAY

International aid officials in Ethiopia report May 1 that the government forced 56,000 famine refugees out of an emergency feeding center at Ibnet in the past week. Some 35,000 are allowed to return May 7.

Sikh extremist bombings and attacks May 10, kill 45 and wound 150 in north India.

Italy and the Vatican ratify a treaty separating Roman Catholic Church from the state June 3.

Israel announces completion of troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon June 6, leaving a few hundred troops in area as observers. Ameri- can Thomas Sutherland is kidnapped in Beirut June 9.

Shiite Muslim gunmen hijack Trans World Airlines jet flying from Athens to Rome June 14. Hijackers say they belong to Islamic Jihad, and demand that Israel release 766 Lebanese prisoners. After allowing all women and non-American males to leave, hijackers kill a US Navy diver on board in Beirut. Shiite leader Nabih Berri takes responsibility for remaining 39 US hostages. On June 24, Israel releases 31 Lebanese prisoners, but says move is not tied to hijackers' demands. On June 30, hijackers re lease all the remaining hostages.

South Africa installs new, multiracial government in Namibia June 17, which will have limited autonomy.

Leftist guerrillas in El Salvador kill 13 people -- including four US Marines and two US businessmen -- at a caf'e in San Salvador June 19.

An Air India passenger jet crashes off Irish coast June 23, killing all 329 people on board; Indian officials believe a bomb caused the crash, and a radical Sikh student group claims responsibility. JULY

Major shake up in ruling Soviet hierarchy, installs Eduard A. Shevardnadze as foreign minister July 2, in place of Andrei Gromyko, who becomes President. On July 30, Gorbachev announces a moratorium to begin Aug. 6 on Soviet testing of nuclear weapons until the end of 1985.

Zimbabwe's first elections since 1980 give Prime Minister Robert Mugabe's party large majority July 6.

Vietnam will return remains of 26 Americans killed in the Vietnam War and conclude search for missing soldiers in two years, the State Department says July 7.

Mexico's ruling party wins majority of seats in July 7 parliamentary elections. Government cuts oil prices by $1.24 per barrel July 10.

Bomb explosion on Greenpeace ship in New Zealand July 10 kills one photographer. Two French citizens, traveling under assumed identities, are arrested and charged with the bombing.

Live Aid benefit concert for African famine victims, held in London and Philiadelphia July 13, nets more than $50 million.

South African government imposes state of emergency in 36 districts July 21. On July 31, mass funerals for blacks in these areas are banned.

Indian government and Sikhs agitating for autonomy reach accord announced July 24. Two militant Sikh groups reject the proposal.

OPEC members vote to cut oil prices slightly July 25; heavy crude will be 50 cents less per barrel.